Common questions about our Life Insurance

Everything you need to know about our Life Insurance

Who can take out life insurance?

Anyone can apply for life insurance if they are a UK resident aged between 18 and 70 and not a member of the Armed Forces (including Reservists).

How much life cover can I have?

The maximum cover amount you can apply for is £350,000 for Level and Decreasing Cover or £2,500 per month for Family Income Benefit.

The maximum cash sum limits apply across all Level Cover, Decreasing Cover and Family Income Benefit policies.

For example, if Decreasing Cover with an initial cash sum of £175,000 is in place, you will have used 50% of the £350,000 maximum cover available. You can use the remaining 50% (up to the maximum cash sum limit) towards applying for an additional policy. If you select a Level Cover or Decreasing Cover policy, the maximum cash sum would be £175,000. If you select a Family Income Benefit policy, the maximum would be £1,250 per month (50% of the £2,500 maximum monthly cover available).

Will I need to provide medical information?

Yes, when you apply you’ll need to answer a few simple health questions. You need to answer these questions accurately and honestly. Depending on your answers you could be covered in a few minutes.

Is terminal illness cover included?

Terminal Illness Cover is included. On diagnosis of an illness that has no cure or cannot be cured and which is expected to lead to death within 12 months, the policy will pay out either the single cash payment or the fixed monthly payments for the remainder of the term of the policy.

How long do I need to pay premiums for?

You’ll need to keep paying monthly premiums throughout the period of cover, unless you die or a terminal illness diagnosis has been confirmed. If that happens, we’ll pay out the single payment (or monthly cash payments if you chose Family Income Benefit).

You can stop paying your premiums at any time. If you do, your cover will end and you won't get anything back.

How much will be paid out?

If you die or are diagnosed with a terminal illness within the term of your policy, you or your loved ones will receive the cover amount as shown in your policy schedule on acceptance of the claim.

When does cover begin?

You will have an instant decision on whether you are eligible for Royal London Life Insurance. If you are eligible and you wish to go ahead, you will be covered straight away.

How long does cover last?

You specify how long you want the cover to last for when you apply for the policy. The term can be as little as 5 years or as long as 50 years, but the cover must end by age 80.

Can I reduce my premium?

You can reduce the premium at any time to any amount, subject to the minimum of £5 a month. If you choose to reduce your premium your cover amount will also reduce.

Will my premiums go up in the future?

No. We’ll never make you increase your monthly premiums.

Can I take out additional cover?

You cannot increase cover under your existing policy; however, you can apply for a new policy. Acceptance is subject to completion of our application process and the maximum cover limits which apply.

What if I stop paying?

If you stop paying your monthly premiums then your cover will also stop. It is worth remembering that you won’t get any money back, as this is a life insurance policy and not a savings plan.

What can your life insurance payment be used for?

It’s up to your family or loved ones what the money is used for. Lots of people use it to help pay off their mortgage, cope with the monthly bills or cover the costs of bringing up children.

Who will we make the payment to?

Your life insurance payment will be made to your estate and settled in accordance with your wishes laid out in your will or as directed by your personal representative(s). If you need more information or advice on making a will you can refer to the Money Advice Service.

What if I change my mind?

If you cancel your policy within 30 days, we will refund any premiums you have paid. If you cancel your policy at any other time, your cover will stop and you won’t get anything back.

How do my family claim?

Please call us and our trained staff will deal with the claim with kindness and sympathy. Please call our UK based call centre on our dedicated claims line:

To make it easier for your family at a difficult time, please keep your policy documents safe and let your next of kin know where to find them.

How quickly will you pay out?

We realise that it may be a difficult time when a claim is being made, so we’ll deal with the claim as quickly as we can. Once we’ve received all the information we need, we will make payment within 10 working days.

Can I cash in my cover?

No, this is a life insurance policy, not a savings plan. If you cancel, the policy will end and you will get nothing back.

Will having life insurance affect my Inheritance Tax liability?

Inheritance Tax (IHT) only has to be paid if the total value of your estate is over the IHT threshold, which in the 2017/18 tax year is £325,000. The proceeds of your life insurance policy may form part of your estate, so you may wish to seek professional advice if you think you may be liable to pay Inheritance Tax.

Will my lump sum be taxed?

Life insurance payments aren’t subject to income tax or capital gains tax, as your monthly premiums have already been taxed from your earnings. However, Inheritance Tax (IHT) may be payable if the value of the estate you leave behind is over the current IHT threshold of £325,000 (2017/18 tax year).

Can I assign my policy to a third party or place it in Trust?

Yes, you can assign your policy to a third party (who could be a person or a bank/building society). Doing so would mean you would be transferring ownership of your policy to the third party and giving away all rights under the policy to that third party. In the event of a claim, we would pay any claim to that third party.

You can also place your policy under Trust. This allows you to nominate “trustees” who in turn will pay the cash sum to nominated “beneficiaries” in the event of a claim.

If you are thinking of assigning your policy to someone else, or placing it under Trust, we suggest you seek professional advice.

Can you give me advice?

No, we can’t tell you what you should do as we do not provide financial advice. But we will provide you with all the information you need to make an informed decision. Our life insurance is designed for people who want quality, affordable cover that they can arrange quickly, easily and with straightforward medical questions.

If you are in any doubt as to which type of life insurance is suitable for you, you should seek advice. If you don’t have a financial adviser, details of advisers in your local area can be found by visiting www.unbiased.co.uk.

How can I take out cover?

You can apply online or call our UK based call centre. But whichever way you choose, we’ve designed our application process to be straightforward.

How do I contact you?

We like hearing from our customers, and we'll take our time to explain everything to you as we believe it’s important to give you all the information you need. So feel free to get in touch – you can phone and speak to our friendly UK based team, email us or write to us.

Can my partner apply too?

Yes, as long as they’re aged between 18 and 60, a UK resident and not a member of the Armed Forces (including Reservists).

I can’t find the answer to my question - what should I do?

We are sorry you couldn’t find what you were looking for as we believe it’s important to give you all the information you need. So feel free to get in touch – you can contact our friendly UK based team by phone, email or writing to us.

The Royal London Mutual Insurance Society Limited is authorised by the Prudential Regulation Authority and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority and the Prudential Regulation Authority. The firm is on the Financial Services Register, registration number 117672. Registered in England and Wales number 99064. Registered office: 55 Gracechurch Street, London, EC3V 0RL.